Initial Stage

Employer and prospective TN candidate forward the completed TN Questionnaire to Jackson & Hertogs (J&H).  J&H will not commence processing until all requested documentation/information is received.

Information and documentation are then reviewed and assigned for preparation.

TN Preflight petition

Jackson & Hertogs obtains evaluation of academic degree (if necessary).

J&H prepares the TN supporting letter and various correspondence and forwards these along with all supporting documents and instructions for processing to the employer for signature.

Employer signs and forwards the package to the prospective TN to apply for TN status at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) pre-flight/border inspection or international airport.

Prospective TN and all dependent family members apply for admission as TN/TD nonimmigrants. Family members who are NOT Canadian Citizens or landed immigrants of Canada who are nationals of former Commonwealth nations and who are therefore not visa exempt, must apply for a TD visa at a U.S. Consulate after the TN is issued and before applying for entrance to the U.S.

Optimized Ports of Entry

U.S. Customs and Border Patrol designated various ports of entry for optimized processing (see https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/canada-mexico-travel/traveling-tn-or-l-1-visa-canada). These designated ports of entry, including pre-flight inspection at an airport, aim to ensure more efficient processing for Canadians who are applying for their first TN under the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA). First-time TN applicants may continue to go to any port of entry. However, while they are not required to go to one of the designated ports of entry, they are encouraged to do so in order to receive optimized processing. Additionally, it would be best to apply during normal business hours, and to avoid peak times if possible (for example, a Monday morning).

It is also important to note that petitions may not be submitted ahead of time. Petitions submitted to a port of entry may only be adjudicated when the applicant is seeking entry into the United States. As such, applicants applying at a pre-flight inspection are strongly advised that they must allow for sufficient time for processing prior to the departure of their flight.

Approval

CBP Inspector approves and admits the TN (TD) nonimmigrants and issues a Form I-94 which serves as evidence of admission and work authorization with multiple entry.

TN employee joins sponsoring employer and forwards to Jackson & Hertogs a copy of all Forms I-94 and admission stamps. Copies of TD visas, if applicable, should also be sent to J&H.

This information is intended for clients of Jackson & Hertogs only. This is not intended to provide legal advice to non-clients of this firm.  Nor will we respond to inquiries from non-clients. You should seek your own legal counsel in these matters.